In a bold move signaling sweeping changes ahead, President-elect Donald Trump announced tech billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a newly created “Department of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE.
Tasked with reducing red tape and enhancing government operations, the two high-profile appointees are expected to revamp the federal bureaucracy and promote entrepreneurial strategies within government.
The announcement, made by Trump in a statement released on November 12, 2024, and shared by Musk via social media platform X early Wednesday, highlights Trump’s intentions to streamline federal agencies, reduce waste, and cut unnecessary regulations.
The president-elect emphasized the high stakes and ambitious goals for the department, likening its mandate to a modern-day “Manhattan Project” for government efficiency.
“I am pleased to announce that the great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (‘DOGE’),” Trump stated.
“Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excessive regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies.”
Aiming for rapid, impactful results, the department will collaborate with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget, striving to create an “entrepreneurial approach to government never seen before,” said Trump.
The initiative, he explained, aligns with the principles of the “Save America” movement, with the goal of a government that works efficiently and is truly accountable to the people.
The new administration has given DOGE a tight timeframe to achieve its goals, with Musk and Ramaswamy expected to complete their work by July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“A smaller government, with more efficiency and less bureaucracy, will be the perfect gift to America,” Trump added.
Musk, the owner of X, electric vehicle giant Tesla, and satellite company Starlink, has been an outspoken supporter of Trump’s policies and his 2024 presidential run.
During the campaign, Musk contributed $75 million to a pro-Trump political action committee, according to reports from Reuters, underscoring his commitment to Trump’s vision for the nation.
This high-stakes project is part of Trump’s broader cabinet appointments, which also include:
- Lee Zeldin as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator,
- Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor,
- Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff,
- Tom Homanas Border Czar,
- Elise Stefanik as Ambassador to the United Nations, and
- Stephen Miller as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.
With the appointment of such figures, Trump is building a team set to shake up Washington’s establishment, ready to push forward reforms that Republicans have envisioned for years.